Technology introduced on Kuhn’s new LSB 1290 iD baler for increased density bales has earned it a Silver Medal for Innovation at Agritechnica where it will be launched in November.
The LSB 1290 iD, which extends the Kuhn large square baler range for the 2014 season, is designed to produce bales that are up to 25% denser than those made with a conventional large square baler. The denser bales produced by the LSB 1290 iD will allow more efficient handling, transport and storage of forage crops and is considered particularly relevant for the increasingly important sector producing biomass for renewable energy.
Key to this baler’s ability to generate increased density in bales is its novel twin impact plunger system (branded TWINPACT by Kuhn). The plunger is split into upper and lower sections so that bales are compressed in two steps. This allows the doubling of force required to create a 25% increase in density, but with a comparable load on the driveline to that of a conventional 120cm wide x 90cm high (4 x 3) baler (e.g. standard LSB 1290), and no increase in tractor horsepower requirements.
In addition, the new LSB 1290 iD features additional developments to ensure its suitability for the more challenging conditions presented by energy crops, including a 60cm diameter intake rotor to ensure a controlled crop flow to the pre-chamber, easily replaceable high strength rotor tines, and high resistance replaceable wear plates. The LSB 1290 iD also has a double knotter binding system adapted for extremely high density bales and hydraulically driven blowers to keep the knotter area clean.
The Kuhn large square baler range also includes four standard models, LSB 870, LSB 890, LSB 1270 and LSB 1290. The new LSB 1290 iD models will be available in limited quantities for the 2014 season.
